The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.), started in 1922, is one of the world's largest magic organization with nearly 13,000 members worldwide. The have over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 73 countries. There is even an online Ring called Ring 2100.

In 1927, Andrew Buel wrote President W. W. Durbin for permission to form the first local chapter, he called a "ring", in St. Louis, Missouri. He was then given the honor of having Ring One, and St. Louis has maintained #1 ever since.